Bulletproof Vests: What You Should Know Before Buying One

[Zarvan]

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Bulletproof vests save lives. Any officer in any field can save his/her life by wearing a bulletproof vest or other type of body armour. Here are some things you should know about bulletproof vests, as well as knowing how to ensure you get the most benefits out of wearing them.



1. Stay Fit

It is vital beyond words to say that the vest you wear matches your body, frame and size. Larger vests that do not fit will be uncomfortable and hamper you from optimally performing your duties. If you want maximum threat protection, be sure to buy your body armor vest that is in your size.



2. Lifespan

Depending on the manufacturer and producer, body armor vests has a 5-10 years warranty. However, wearing armor every single day reduces the protective capabilities of that armor. To minimize the lifespan of vests, always be sure to carefully inspect the vest for burns, small tears or creases. This will prolong their lifespan.



3. Guns

Regardless of the bullet size, almost all handgun calibers will “get through” most types of body armour. .44 Magnum and .45 ACP rounds travel more slowly, reducing their impact. .357 SIG and 9mm rounds, because they travel quickly, have a higher rate of penetrating the fibers. Guns have deadly potential despite any form of protection.



4. Not Bulletproof

Despite the name, bulletproof vests are not bulletproof. They are bullet-resistant, meaning they will minimize the impact of damage caused by bullets. You will still feel the impact of the bullet – and it is painful.



5. Carriers

Getting a spare carrier is a good idea to ensure that the ballistic panels of the vest live far past the warranty. Even if you’ve recently washed one of them, you can still use the other one because it is dry.



6. If You’re Shot

Have you ever been hit with a hammer? Many officers have equated being shot (while wearing the vest) to being hit with a hammer. Vests save people from being killed by bullets, indeed, but they leave disastrous bruises. Many manufacturers are constantly updating their vests to reduce the nasty after-effect of being shot.



7. Never Dry Clean

It makes sense to dry clean your vest when it becomes overrun with sweat. You want to keep it in prime shape, right? Unfortunately, throwing them in the wash or sending them to the dry cleaners will ruin the ballistic panels. Instead, read the instructions in the manual. They were written for a reason. In most cases, a mild soap and a damp sponge is all you need to clean vests – and they can be hung to dry.



8. Knives

Some people believe that bullet-resistant protective vests can stop the penetration of knives and other sharp objects. They do not. Stab vests, as they’re called, are a different type of weave and fiber material. Multi-threat vests are typically more expensive and weigh a lot more than either of these vests individually.



9. Storage

How you store vests when not in use prolongs their life, if done so correctly. Ballistic panels on the vest are made of several layers of fiber. Vests should never be shoved or stuffed to fit into a space. If smushed up and bunched together, they cannot be straightened out. When you’re storing your vest, put it on a hanger in your closet – away from other articles of clothing. Make sure that your closet is large enough to store the item.



10. Getting a New Vest

Although bulletproof vests are bullet resistant, they are pretty much a single-use protection device. When a vest has been penetrated, the fibers are damaged and cannot be repaired. This compromises the safety of wearers, and a new vest must be bought immediately. Never use a vest that has been shot – even if you suspect that it’s still effective. I can assure you that it is not.



Conclusion

Keep these things in mind when you’re purchasing body armour for yourself or your squad. The importance of keeping your vest “healthy” and in working order cannot be understated.

http://www.military-today.com/life/bulletproof_vests.htm